LOS ANGELES -- Players expressed support for former Dodgers manager Don Mattingly, who announced on Thursday he was parting ways with the club in a mutual decision.

"I loved playing for Donnie," said Clayton Kershaw, Opening Day starter for each of Mattingly's five seasons. "He has and will always have my utmost respect. I have nothing but positive things to say about him as a person and a manager. He will be missed."

"From my experience, rarely does a player you grew up idolizing come close to even meeting your expectations," he said. "To say Donnie exceeded mine is an understatement. Donnie is the most consistent, optimistic person I've ever been around on or off the field. It was an honor playing for him and to embrace each other as we did these past three years after clinching a division title are cherished memories.

"I have no doubt he will be a world champion manager someday and am grateful for the opportunity I had to play for him."